Idaho News & Current Events | Public News Service

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has nine sites in the Treasure Valley alone, and others across Idaho. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Free Tax-Aide Program 'Goes Live' Across ID

Tax time is here again. Between now and mid-April, Idahoans in need of assistance can find free help across the state through the AARP Foundation's …

About 31% of Idahoans have earned a bachelor's or associate degree. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Makes Big Jump in Higher-Education Attainment

Idaho and the rest of the country are making progress getting higher education to more people. A new report from Lumina Foundation finds nearly 54% …

DTPlays, an electric cargo bike that carried outdoor games, a shade tent and water around downtown Boise in 2022, received a Community Challenge grant. (AARP Idaho)

Grant Program to Improve Communities Open for Applications

A grant program that helps with projects that benefit local communities is back. The AARP Community Challenge program selects projects for small…

Albertsons was founded in Boise, Idaho, in 1939. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

ID-Based Albertsons Merger with Kroger Could Impact Rural U.S.

The proposed merger between the Idaho-based grocery chain Albertsons and Kroger has antitrust laws in the spotlight, as the supermarket companies are …

Gov. Brad Little made his first State of the State address since being re-elected in November. (Idaho Public Television)

Little's State of the State Address Emphasizes Education Spending in ID

Governor Brad Little kicked off the 2023 legislative session with his State of the State address and an Idaho teachers' organization is applauding his…

Rural Camas County in southern Idaho saw its population grow more than 4.5% between 2020 and 2021. (Lee O'Dell/Adobe Stock)

ID Partnership Supports State's Numerous Rural Communities

The Idaho Rural Partnership is among the state rural development councils still active more than 30 years after the program supporting the councils wa…

Online harassment has effects on the mental health of targets of the abuse. (ryanking999/Adobe Stock)

Protecting Kids from Online Harassment, Bigotry

It can be challenging for parents and caregivers to shield their children from bigotry and hatred online, but there are a few tips they can follow…

According to Solar Power World, Idaho and Texas do not have <a href=

mandatory state-wide net metering, but some utilities within the state offer compensation. (Adobe Stock)">

Idaho's PUC Approves Controversial Solar Study

A recent move by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission could mean solar panel owners in the state could receive less money from Idaho Power. The …

Idaho Power serves more than 600,000 customers and has committed to including more renewables in its grid over the next two decades. (energy.gov)

ID Clean Energy Advocates to Gather at State Capitol

Clean energy advocates are heading to Boise at the start of next year's legislative session. The organization Idaho Energy Freedom formed in …

Groups have been organizing in support of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons since it went into effect in 2021. (Jon Sadle)

ID Group to Mark Anniversary of Total Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty

Organizations across the country will be celebrating the anniversary of a nuclear weapons treaty in the new year, including in Idaho. The Treaty on …

The Idaho State Tax Commission expects to send about 800,000 tax rebate checks out by March 2023. (STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Tax Rebate Proposal Aims to Fend Off Inflation Impacts on ID Families

A tax rebate program approved during the Idaho special session this year has sparked an idea: why not send more rebates to families? In September…

Clinical preceptors help give apprentices hands-on education, even away from North Idaho College. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Medical Apprenticeship Program Fills Health Worker Gaps in ID

It's tough to find workers for Idaho's health clinics right now, but an apprenticeship program is hoping to address these woes. Nearly three years …

Around 35% of people have experienced holiday-related fraud from an online ad, according to a recent survey. (troyanphoto/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Tips for Guarding Against Holiday Grinches

The holiday shopping season is officially here, and that also means scammers are out in force. A new survey from AARP finds fraud is common this time …

Construction of the Little Goose Dam in eastern Washington began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. (Brigida I. Sanchez/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

With Leak Report, Snake River Dams Could Be Showing Their Age

Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could …

Online scams can be reported to agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, as well as to local law enforcement. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Charity Scammers Take Advantage of Holiday Giving

The season of giving is upon us, but consumer advocates are urging people to stay vigilant, so it doesn't become the "season of taking." The number …

The Silver Creek Preserve is located about 30 miles south of Ketchum, Ida. (Neil Crescenti/The Nature Conservancy)

First Ever 'Trout-Safe' Certification Awarded to ID Farm

A farm in Idaho has received the first-ever "trout-safe" certification from an organization that protects habitat for the fish. The Nature …

Recent research has found having a lot of positive childhood experiences, even if kids also experience trauma, can greatly improve mental health. (dimmas72/Adobe Stock)

ID Pediatricians Ask About Parents' Childhoods to Improve Their Kids' Lives

Pediatricians in Idaho are exploring a novel approach to mental health - by asking parents about their past traumas and positive experiences. Dr…

The opossums of North America have a short lifespan - only about a year and a half. (cherwoman730/Adobe Stock)

Opossums: Popular Meme, Misunderstood Marsupial

The opossum has become a popular part of the internet, with memes dedicated to the funny-looking animal across the web. In the wild, an Idaho …

The Stibnite mine project is located in portions of the Payette and Boise national forests. (Ecoflight)

Conservation Groups Wary of Central ID Mine Proposal

A proposed mining operation in central Idaho is raising concerns about possible damage to nearby fish and wildlife habitat. The U.S. Forest Service …

A program that helps older folks find work connects people with a host agency for about 20 hours a week of paid job training. (hedgehog94/Adobe Stock)

Job Training for Older Folks Gets Boost from High Employment

A program that helps low-income older people find work may be getting a boost from an economy that's favoring employees. Easterseals-Goodwill's …

Working headlights are an important component of safe driving when it's snowing. (mario beauregard/Adobe Stock)

Snow It All: Safe Driving Tips for Winter in ID

Winter is coming, and that means slippery road conditions are around the bend. In Idaho, a program is offering tips on how people can drive safely …

Idaho Power's resource plans show reduced emissions through about 2030 but then no change through 2040. (Sierra Club Idaho Chapter)

Report: Fossil Fuels Still Undergird Utilities' Future Plans

Despite their climate pledges, many utilities aren't moving away from fossil fuels very quickly, according to a new report. The Sierra Club …

Nearly one third of people surveyed in June said they felt

Financial Education: Important Knowledge for Uncertain Times

Between rising inflation and the ups and downs of the stock market, it isn't surprising that folks are concerned about their own financial situation…

Nearly 1.5 million electric vehicles were registered in the United States in 2021. (Samuel B./Adobe Stock)

Drive Electric Week Rides into Idaho

This week is National Drive Electric Week, and the vehicles are garnering more attention than ever. Over the weekend, Boise hosted an event …

The AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program will be available in about 40 sites across Idaho in 2023. (Creativa Images/Adobe Stock)

ID Tax Aide Program Seeks Volunteers for 2023

Another income-tax season is approaching and a program to help people with low and moderate incomes do their taxes for free is looking for volunteers…

The Idaho Conservation League looked at data for 112 sewage treatment facilities in the state. (tuastockphoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Sewage Treatment Plants Have Waste Issue of Their Own

Pollution is a major problem for wastewater facilities in Idaho. The Idaho Conservation League's fifth annual report on discharges from sewage …

Congress approved the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020, and it was rolled out this year. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Idaho. The state had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country …

The Idaho National Laboratory treats nuclear waste at its facility near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Climate Bill's Nuclear Funding Undermines Clean-Energy Claims

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to revolutionize the clean-energy sector in the United States. But in Idaho, critics think its investment in nuclear …

Last year, Congress passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. Smaller, rural communities want to be sure they aren't forgotten as these funds are allocated. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Rural Economies Set for Boost from Pilot Program in CHIPS Act

A program approved by Congress aims to give rural communities a leg up when applying for federal dollars. The CHIPS Act, passed last month, boosts …

Many kids are nervous on their first day of school. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

How to Ensure Positive Start to School Year for ID Kids

School is starting up again for Idaho kids and teachers, and community members and parents can help keep the focus on positive experiences. Kim …

The Kids Count Data Book ranks Idaho 9th among states in its

Report: ID Child Well-Being Improves; Mental Health Top Concern

Idaho has made improvements to help the lives of children, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released its annual Kids …

Idaho Power wants to reduce the rate it pays rooftop solar generators to the rate customers pay for power. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Idaho Power Throwing Shade on Rooftop Solar, Supporters Say

Idaho Power has commissioned a study which found the rate it pays for rooftop solar customers to send their power back to the grid should be lowered…

The proposed mine is located adjacent to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups, Nez Perce Not Sold on ID Gold Mine

Idaho has issued its first major permit for a gold mine east of McCall. Conservation groups and the Nez Perce tribes say the project raises alarm …

Idaho wetlands are especially important for the state's bird species. (nrcs.usda.gov)

SCOTUS Could Exclude Waterways from Clean Water Protections

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Northern Rockies News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

In Idaho's 2022 Republican primary, eight incumbent senators lost and 13 current senators didn't run. (Eldon/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Anti-Democracy Candidates Could Gain Seats in ID Legislature

Far-right candidates made inroads in Idaho's Republican primary and likely will have seats in the state Legislature after November's election - but so…

Hydropower provided about half of Idaho's electricity in 2021. It's technically considered

Despite SCOTUS EPA Decision, ID Moves Toward Clean Energy

The busy season of U.S. Supreme Court decisions has come to an end, and among the policies justices struck down is the federal government's ability …

NuScale Power plans to build six reactor modules west of Idaho Falls to generate 462 megawatts of electricity. (Oregon State University/Wikimedia Commons)

Research: Radioactive Waste Issue Unresolved with New Reactor Designs

New, smaller designs for nuclear reactors have been touted as vital for the clean energy future, but new research found they could generate more …

About half of Americans believe the United States will cease to be a democracy one day, according to a recent survey. (rarrarorro/Adobe Stock)

Many See Democracy in Peril as US Celebrates Independence Day

It's July 4th, a celebration of the United States' independence. It's also an opportunity to take a look at the state of the country's democracy…

The only memorial to Anne Frank is located in Boise. (Kencf0618/Wikimedia Commons)

ID AARP Grant Winners Include Anne Frank Memorial

Three projects in Idaho have been selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge. Among them is the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization sends abortion rights back to states. (lucky-photo/Adobe Stock)

Resources for Idahoans After SCOTUS Overturns Abortion Access

Abortion is set to be prohibited in Idaho at the end of July after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week. The …

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho manages a 30-acre teaching farm in Twin Falls, Ida. (Brad Johnson/The Nature Conservancy)

'Soil Health Curious' ID Farmers Explore Regenerative Agriculture

A kinder approach to the soil could be what Idaho farmers need to get more out of their land. The Nature Conservancy in Idaho has a demonstration …

Members of the white supremacist group arrested in Coeur d'Alene over the weekend included people from around the country. (Feng Yu/Adobe Stock)

Thwarted Attack on ID Pride Tip of Ramped-Up Extremist Activity

The arrests of 31 white supremacists outside of a Pride festival in North Idaho shook the country over the weekend. It's only part of a larger uptick …

From fall 2019 to spring 2021, Idaho colleges and universities lost more than 5,000 students. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Costs Present Hurdle, But ID Provides Ways to Afford Higher Education

Higher education costs are a barrier for students across the country. A recent survey found Idaho is on the cheaper side of places to be a college …

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit in 2020 challenging the decision not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. (slowmotiongli/Adobe Stock)

Potential Endangered Status for Wolverine Passes Back to Feds

Federal protections are back on the table for the wolverine after a recent court ruling. The elusive predator also has found status as "endangered" …

A recipient for the Andrus Award recognizing a volunteer in Idaho will be announced in the fall. (Zoran Zeremski/Adobe Stock)

Nominees for Volunteer Award Apply Skills, Talents to Help Others

AARP has opened nominations for one of its most prestigious awards honoring volunteer work in Idaho. The Andrus Award for Community Service is named …

The spike in gas prices means many people are likely to modify their summer vacations this year. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Traveling Safely Key to Summer Fun Vacations

The busy summer travel season is kicking off this weekend, and a few tips can help ensure hitting the road is as painless as possible. Matthew Conde…

Activities like hikes can help improve Idaho kids' mental health. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

HOPE Week Promotes Positive Experiences for Kids' Mental Health

May is mental health awareness month. As part of that, groups in Idaho are using HOPE Week to help kids in crisis and reduce the state's worrying …

The deadline to vote in Idaho's Primary election is 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Bilingual Resource Helps Spanish-Speaking Idahoans Vote

Voting can be hard for non-English speakers in Idaho, but a newly launched resource is helping Spanish-speaking Idahoans answer essential questions …

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